Mythbusting: Most Common Dental Myths

Dental myths can scare patients from walking through the door. Dental inaccuracies confuse people and can also lead to poor oral health decisions. Fair City Mall Dental Care dives into the most common dental myths and provides the dental facts to debunk them. Let us break down dental facts and myths to help you feel confident in the dental chair without fear.

Brushing Harder Means Cleaner Teeth

Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. It can do more harm than good. Applying too much pressure or using a hard-bristled brush can erode enamel and irritate gums, potentially leading to sensitivity and gum recession. To effectively clean your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply a gentle circular motion for two minutes.

You Don’t Need to Visit the Dentist If Nothing Hurts

Pain is often a late indicator of dental problems. Cavities, gum disease, and other issues can develop without symptoms until they progress significantly. Regular dental checkups can catch oral problems early, saving you time, money, and discomfort. Visit your dentist every six months for dental cleanings and exams for optimal oral health.

Sugar Is the Only Cause of Cavities

While sugar contributes to cavities, it’s not the sole culprit. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth feed on any carbohydrate, producing acid that erodes enamel. Starchy foods, fruits, and even milk can contribute if oral hygiene isn’t maintained. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and rinse with water after eating foods that can lead to decay.

Baby Teeth Don’t Matter Because They Fall Out

Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth and help with chewing and speech development. Neglecting their care can lead to pain, infections, and issues with permanent tooth alignment. Begin caring for baby teeth as soon as they erupt, and schedule the first dental visit by their first birthday. Avoid falling for typical child dental care myths.

Whitening Toothpaste Can Drastically Whiten Teeth

Whitening agents can help remove surface stains from coffee or tea, but they won’t change the natural color of your teeth or provide the dramatic results of professional whitening. Overuse can also wear down enamel. For a brighter smile, consult your dentist about safe, effective teeth whitening options. Avoid falling for myths about teeth whitening that suggest an instant fix.

If Your Gums Bleed, Stop Brushing

Bleeding gums often indicate inflammation caused by plaque buildup and possible gingivitis. Stopping brushing can worsen the problem by allowing more plaque accumulation. Keep brushing gently and flossing daily. If the bleeding persists, reach out to us.

Dental Implants are Painful and Problematic

Many people believe that getting dental implants is a highly painful process, but advancements in dental technology have made dental implants more comfortable. Dentists use anesthesia during the surgery to ensure patients experience minimal discomfort. Post-surgery, most individuals report only mild soreness. Additionally, recovery times are shorter, with many patients resuming regular activities within a few days. Dental implants are a durable and natural-looking solution, making them worth considering for those seeking to restore their smile.

Pregnant Women Should Avoid the Dentist

Pregnant women are actually encouraged to visit the dentist regularly. Pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral issues, which, if untreated, may even affect the health of the baby. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy so that any treatments can be adjusted appropriately. Routine care, like dental cleanings, is safe and highly recommended.

Why Busting Dental Myths Matters

Believing in common dental myths can affect your health, leading to preventable issues like cavities, gum disease, or even tooth loss. With today’s advanced dental knowledge, it’s easier than ever to receive accurate, science-backed care. Our team helps you choose proper dental hygiene tools and techniques to protect your teeth and gums, encourages proper care for baby teeth, and leads you to understand the facts about dental care instead of scary myths.

Contact Fair City Mall Dental Care Today

Fair City Mall Dental Care provides comprehensive dental services in our friendly and welcoming office. You can trust us to treat you with compassion and understanding. If you want dependable and accurate dental care advice, contact us. We’ll happily debunk dental myths to help you feel more confident at the dentist. Your teeth deserve the best care. Schedule a dental visit with our team today.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Their Advantages and Disadvantages

When a tooth becomes severely infected or damaged, a root canal or tooth extraction are the most common options. While both methods are effective, the choice depends on multiple factors, including the tooth’s condition, location, and the patient’s preferences. Fair City Mall Dental Care explores the differences between root canal therapy and tooth extraction, highlighting their benefits and potential drawbacks.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is designed to save and repair a damaged tooth. During the treatment, we remove the infected pulp. After cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior, the space is filled and sealed to prevent further infections. A crown may be added for protection and enhanced function.

Benefits of Root Canal

A root canal has a negative reputation with many patients, but it’s a common way to boost the look and feel of your teeth. Some of the benefits of a root canal include:

• Tooth Preservation: You get to keep your natural tooth, maintaining your smile and oral health.
• Aesthetics: Retaining a natural tooth helps avoid gaps in your smile, preserving its natural appearance.
• Better Functionality: By saving the tooth, you maintain your ability to chew and speak naturally.
• Prevention of Bone Loss: Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the jawbone’s integrity because tooth loss often leads to bone deterioration over time.
• Cost-Effective Long-Term: While the upfront cost might seem higher, a root canal reduces the need for more expensive dental implants or bridges.

Disadvantages of Root Canal

A root canal can cause pain and be a hassle. Some of the most significant disadvantages of a root canal include:

• Time-Consuming: Root canal treatment often requires multiple visits to the dentist, depending on the severity of the case.
• Post-Treatment Discomfort: Mild sensitivity or discomfort may occur after the procedure but generally subsides within a few days.
• Potential for Failure: Although rare, complications such as reinfection may still occur, requiring additional treatment.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves completely removing a tooth from its socket. This procedure is often performed when a tooth is too damaged to be saved or when removing the tooth is the quickest way to resolve an infection. Extractions may be as simple as removing a visible tooth or surgical when we need to remove the impacted or broken tooth.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a fast and common way to alleviate severe oral issues. Some of the benefits of a tooth extraction include:

• Quick Relief: Tooth extraction is generally faster and relieves pain and infection immediately.
• Effective Infection Removal: By removing the tooth, you eliminate the source of infection, preventing its spread.
• Lower Initial Cost: Tooth extraction is typically less expensive than a root canal.

Disadvantages of Tooth Extraction

Though a tooth extraction offers immediate relief, it does have its downfalls. Some of the disadvantages of extracting a tooth include:

• Aesthetic Issues: Losing a visible tooth can affect your smile and confidence.
• Oral Health Complications: Tooth loss sometimes leads to misalignment of surrounding teeth and jawbone deterioration over time.
• Additional Costs for Replacement: If we replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture, the long-term costs can increase.

What to Expect After a Root Canal vs. Tooth Removal

Recovery time varies between root canal therapy and tooth extraction. A root canal typically includes mild discomfort lasting up to two days. Patients can typically return to everyday activities immediately while following our care instructions. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, tooth extraction recovery time can take up to four days.

If you’re wondering, “What hurts more, tooth extraction or root canal?” the answer depends on individual tolerance and the tooth’s condition. While the extraction process may be faster, extractions often cause more post-procedure discomfort due to the open wound in the gum and jawbone.

Making the Right Choice

Our dental team will determine the safest and most effective treatment for your needs. After a comprehensive dental exam, we’ll explain your options for the most effective dental treatment. The decision between a root canal and tooth extraction depends on the following factors:

• Severity of Infection: A root canal is preferred if the tooth’s structure is still intact and the infection can be resolved.
• Condition of the Tooth: Severely fractured or weakened teeth that cannot support a crown may require extraction.
• Location of the Tooth: Saving a visible tooth is often prioritized for aesthetic reasons, while wisdom teeth are more commonly extracted.
• Long-Term Considerations: A root canal preserves your natural tooth, whereas an extraction requires replacement to prevent shifting teeth and jawbone loss.
• Financial Implications: While extractions are initially less expensive, the cost of tooth replacement, like dental implants or bridges, should be considered in your decision.

Helping You Choose Between a Root Canal & Extraction

At Fair City Mall Dental Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful. We believe your smile matters, and choosing the proper treatment makes a lasting difference. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.

Can Dental Implants Be Removed?

Dental implants are often celebrated as a permanent solution for missing teeth due to their durability and functionality. Like any medical procedure, complications can arise or adjustments may be needed over time. Fair City Mall Dental Care explores the reasons for dental implant removal, the process involved, and what to expect. If you have further questions, reach out to us.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-lasting and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants involve surgically placing small titanium posts acting as artificial tooth roots. They look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. While dental implants can be removed, it’s essential to note that this is a specialized procedure. Performed only by skilled dental professionals, implant removal typically involves careful techniques to avoid damage to the surrounding bone and tissue. Though implants are designed to permanently integrate with the jawbone, various factors can necessitate removal.

Reasons for Removing Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most successful ways to replace missing teeth, but some complications may lead to the need for removal. Some reasons we may remove a dental implant include:

• Dental Implant Failure: Early failure can occur within the first few months post-surgery due to poor osseointegration. Late failure may develop years after successful fusion due to chronic conditions like infection or bone deterioration.
• Infection: Poor oral hygiene or existing health conditions can lead to infections around the implant site.
• Nerve Damage: Improper placement can impinge on nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue.
• Mechanical Failure: Implants can crack or fracture under pressure or due to material defects.
• Bone Loss: Conditions like periodontal disease or trauma can cause the jawbone around the implant to weaken.
• Allergic Reaction: Some patients may be allergic to the titanium or other materials used in dental implants.
• Improper Placement: Incorrect positioning may lead to discomfort, chewing issues, or gum recession that exposes the implant.
• Personal Reasons: Some patients may prefer dentures or other solutions for personal or aesthetic reasons.

How Are Dental Implants Removed? A Step-by-Step Guide

The removal process requires precision and skill. The overall procedure duration and complexity depend on the implant’s condition and the surrounding tissue. Here’s a breakdown of the dental implants procedure step by step:

• Assessment: We evaluate the implant site using X-rays to determine the best removal approach.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to provide a painless procedure.
• Crown Removal: If a crown or bridge is attached, it will be carefully removed first.
• Implant Extraction: Special dental tools are used to unscrew or loosen the implant. Techniques such as the counter-torque method or piezo tips may be used to preserve surrounding bone tissue.
• Bone Grafting: We may need to perform a bone graft if necessary. If bone loss is present near the implant site, a graft may be performed to promote regeneration and ensure future bone health.
• Suturing: The area will be sutured to aid healing, and you’ll receive post-procedure care instructions.

Can Dental Implants Be Removed and Replaced with Dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be removed and replaced with dentures. Dentures are an option for patients who face multiple implant failures or prefer a removable option. Factors such as significant bone loss or difficulty maintaining implants often lead patients to opt for dentures. Modern advancements have made dentures comfortable, natural-looking, and secure.

Are Dental Implants Removable for Cleaning?

Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removable for routine cleaning. Implants are permanently anchored to the jawbone but require the same hygiene as natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and periodic professional cleanings are essential to maintain implant health and prevent conditions like peri-implantitis.

Potential Challenges in Dental Implant Removal

Like any surgical procedure, implant removal comes with risks. Some potential challenges in dental implant removal may include:

• Bone Damage: Surrounding bone may sustain minor damage during extraction.
• Healing Time: Bone regeneration and tissue healing may take several months.
• Risk of Infection: Proper post-procedure care reduces the risks, but infections may still occur.

Dental Implant Removal: Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Fair City Mall Dental Care offers customized dental services that meet your needs. Dental implants are an incredible innovation in restorative dentistry, offering life-changing benefits. In cases where their removal is necessary, we help you make informed decisions by explaining the detailed process. Whether you’re considering dental implants for the first time or require implant removal, our experienced professionals are here to help. Please contact our office today.